Influence emerged as the top skill in defining Leadership. Informal Leaders lead from a base of influence. This is primarily because they do not have any formal authority to enforce and/or direct others to get things done.

In my book, The Hidden Power of Informal LeadershipI discussed in detail how Informal Leaders use influence. Their sphere of Influence extends up, down and across groups and organizations. They have the ability to bring people together without the authority of an organizational chart or reporting structure behind them.